HC Deb 20 June 1968 vol 766 cc1293-4
22. Mr. Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the National Advisory Council for the Training and Supply of Teachers will be re-activated; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Edward Short

I am considering this question in the wider context of the status of the teaching profession.

Mr. Longden

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply. However, would he expedite his consideration, because it is a considerable time since the Council functioned?

Mr. Short

I agree. There has been a very great delay. There were difficulties with the previous Council. I hope, however, that I shall be able to make an announcement about this matter before long.

Sir E. Boyle

Would the Secretary of State give careful consideration to the possibility of setting up a council for teacher education on a wider basis than the old National Advisory Council? Many people are aware of the defects of the old Council, although it did much useful work. Many feel that the time has come for the setting up of a council of the wider kind which I have suggested.

Mr. Short

I am aware of that and of the difficulties of the old Council, but I hope that we may set up something perhaps even wider and more comprehensive than the right hon. Gentleman has suggested.